Happy Halloween!
So I'm late with the newsletter again. But I have a solid excuse. I've been busy preparing for the big One Year to Win Weekend of Action canvasses happening on Saturday, November 2, and Sunday, November 3. I hope you'll sign up to help. Why? We need to start engaging potential voters, to find out what's on their minds and to inform them about the FOUR critical elections coming up in 2020. On Saturday, November 2, we're canvassing out of our Brown Deer office, 5600 W Brown Deer Rd, Suite 116. As we head into parts of Glendale, and perhaps parts of Brown Deer, we'll be handing out literature for Emily Siegrist, running for Assembly District 24, and Neal Plotkin, running for Senate District 8, as well as literature that helps people register to vote and to know what to bring with them to the polls in addition to the dates of the four upcoming elections. So sign up to help on Saturday, November 2, at 10am or Saturday, November 2, at 1pm. The weather is going to be on our side!
On Sunday, November 3, canvasses are leaving from Shirley Horowitz's house, 4845 Newhall St., Whitefish Bay. Canvassers will work in Whitefish Bay and the part of Glendale that lies east of I-94. Again, there are two shifts: 10am and 1pm. Please come spend a couple of hours engaging with voters. We're pretty sure you won't regret it when we win the all-important WI Supreme Court race and make inroads into GOP dominance of our state legislature. And of course when we put the Democratic nominee, whoever that might be, in the White House!
And on the impeachment front, we had a great event featuring Dr. Robert Kraig and Dr. Sheldon Wasserman, with a legal assist from Jeff Perzan, and excellent leadership of the debate from Kathleen Dunn, longtime host on Wisconsin Public Radio. Attendace at the debate was outstanding but a lot of Grassroots North Shore supporters could not be there. So we have a brief write-up from Shirley Horowitz and a video of the entire evening (produced by Dan Folkman and Charles Bensinger of the Wisconsin Video Hub).
This was the question on the minds of over 140 people at the North Shore Presbyterian Church on October 13th. The debate did not produce an easy answer, but instead raised difficult questions that reflect the complexity of the current predicament in which we find ourselves.
Dr. Robert Kraig, Executive Director of Citizen Action Wisconsin, argued for impeachment. His premise was that the nature of our democracy would suffer irretrievable harm because Congress could no longer be considered co-equal with the Executive Branch. In addition, whatever President is or would be in power could manipulate and interfere with free elections, thus always ensuring a victory. He called for a “purer” motivation than a political one – labeling it a constitutional necessity.
On the other side of the argument, Milwaukee County Board Supervisor Dr. Sheldon Wasserman made the case against impeaching the President. His reasons were admittedly political. Although he agreed that the President’s actions rose to the level required to impeach, he noted the dangers of a political backlash. With the Senate unlikely to act based on evidence provided, he felt that the best remedy to the dangers of the current Presidency lies in the upcoming election.
Long-time Wisconsin Public Radio host Kathleen Dunn provided thoughtful questions and helpful history, while Attorney Jeff Perzan explained context and points of law regarding impeachment, and also responded to questions. The audience had many questions, so Q&A lasted about half an hour.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the program was the total and sometimes brutal honesty of the two as they made their arguments. They relied on logic and evidence, but also expressed emotional hopes and fears based on personal experiences and historical examples. Both sides of the debate were well expressed and captured the attention of the listeners, forcing them to think and confront all possibilities. (Well done, Dr. Kraig and Dr. Wasserman!)
This debate was co-sponsored by Citizen Action Wisconsin, Grassroots North Shore, and Grassroots South Shore. A video, graciously taped and created by Daniel Folkman and Charles Bensinger of Wisconsin Video Hub, can be found at its site, or YouTube.
EVENTS
Wed Oct 30, 2019
Refuel the Resistance, 6pm - 8pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee
Weekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.
Thu Oct 31, 2019
Police/ICE Procedures Hearing, 5pm - 8pm
City Hall, 200 E. Wells St., Milwaukee
Rally at City Hall and attend the 5:30 meeting of the Fire and Police Commission that will consider changes to standard procedures that would bar collaboration between MPD and ICE unless there is a judicial warrant. More information.
Leadership for Community, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
All People’s Church 2600 N. 2nd St., Milwaukee
An interactive, community-building leadership development series on the basic concepts, attitudes and disciplines needed to build strong, effective organizations capable of making real change. This program is for members of MICAH, people interested in MICAH, people who are new to organizing, people with experience looking for a refresher and new energy, and people who are curious about organizing. There is no cost, but please sign up only if you anticipate being able to participate in at least three of the four sessions: October 10, 17, 31, November 7 (MICAH public meeting on October 24). Registration.
Sat Nov 2, 2019
Weekend of Action Canvass Events, 9am - 5pm
Various locations in Milwaukee County
Find details and sign up at these links: Riverwest, East Side, Harambee, & Downtown; West-Central Milwaukee; North Side; Wauwatosa; Shorewood.
GRNS Canvass, 10am - 4pm
GRNS Office, 5600 W Brown Deer Rd, Brown Deer
Please sign up for this important work of canvassing with Grassroots North Shore to find out what's on voters' minds as we head into the election year and to help clean up current information on voters. Shifts start at 10:00am and 1:00pm. RSVP for 10:00am - 1:00pm. RSVP for 1:00 - 4: 00pm.
Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
Sherman Boulevard & North Avenue, Milwaukee
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.
Sun Nov 3, 2019
GRNS Canvass, 10am - 4pm
Shirley Horowitz's, 4845 N Newhall St, Whitefish Bay
Please sign up for this important work of canvassing with Grassroots North Shore to find out what's on voters' minds as we head into the election year and to help clean up current information on voters. Shifts start at 10:00am and 1:00pm. RSVP for 10:00am - 1:00pm. RSVP for 1:00 - 4:00pm.
Weekend of Action Canvass Events, 11am - 3pm
Various locations
Find details and sign up at these links: Riverwest, East Side, Harambee, & Downtown; North Side.
Mon Nov 4, 2019
Prosecutorial Discretion Lecture, 4:30pm - 4:30pm
Marquette University, Eckstein Hall, 1215 W. Michigan St., Milwaukee
Professor Darryl K. Brown, University of Virginia School of Law, will speak about prosecutors' policies that range from charging the most serious provable offense to charging more leniently or not at all. He will evaluate some approaches that prosecutors’ offices employ to avoid the problems of both extremes. RSVP required.
LaTonya Johnson Fundraiser, 5:30pm - 7pm
SkyBox Sports Bar, 2213 N. Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee
Campaign event to support State Sen. LaTonya Johnson, with Congresswoman Gwen Moore, Mayor Tom Barrett, and District Attorney John Chisholm. Sponsorship Levels: Host: $1,000 | Co-Host: $500 | Sponsor: $250 | Friend: $100. (Host Committee in Formation). More information: email Joyce or call 414-220-9577. RSVP.
Plotkin for Senate Kick-Off, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Libby Montana, 5616 W Donges Bay Rd, Mequon
To defeat Alberta Darling we need to have the resources to combat the hundreds of thousands of special interest dollars she will raise. I expect that we will get outspent, but that doesn't mean we back down. I believe that we have all the elements of winning campaign, we just need to work hard and get our message of change out to the voters. I hope to see you there to get this campaign started!
County Board Annual Budget Hearing, 6pm - 6pm
Marcus Center for Performing Arts, 929 N. Water St., Milwaukee
The County Board of Supervisors will hold its annual public hearing on the budget. The public is invited to share their priorities with the Board. Doors open at 5:30.
Drinking Liberally Waukesha, 6:30pm - 9pm
Clarke Irish Pub, 314 W. Main St., Waukesha
Drinking Liberally Waukesha meets the first Monday of each month. More information.
Tue Nov 5, 2019
Brett Blomme Campaign Fundraiser, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Casablanca, 728 E. Brady St., Milwaukee
Kickoff fundraiser for the campaign of Brett Blomme, community activist and former public defender, for Milwaukee County Circuit Court. Sponsorship levels: $1000, $500, $250, $100. Suggested contribution: $50. RSVP: call 414-301-2362 or email.
Wed Nov 6, 2019
Refuel the Resistance, 6pm - 8pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee
Weekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.
Putting Govt in Its Place/ Author Event, 7pm - 7pm
Boswell Book Co., 2559 N. Downer Ave., Milwaukee
In Putting Government in Its Place: The Case for a New Deal 3.0, Milwaukee author and public policy advisor David Riemer tells the story of the house that FDR built and considers how the New Deal, since the1970’s, has faltered in the face of international competition and new tech’s disruptions. Cosponsored by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute in Milwaukee. Riemer explains the major gaps, flaws, and mistakes of the New Deal settlement and spells out fundamental, sweeping changes needed to revive it.
Thu Nov 7, 2019
DPMC Issues Committee Meeting, 4:30pm - 4:30pm
Amalgamated Transit Union, 734 N. 26th St., Milwaukee
NOTE: NEW DAY. The Democratic Party's Issues Committee holds its meeting on the first Thursday of each month. All Democrats are welcome to participate.
Leadership for Community, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
All People’s Church 2600 N. 2nd St., Milwaukee
An interactive, community-building leadership development series on the basic concepts, attitudes and disciplines needed to build strong, effective organizations capable of making real change. This program is for members of MICAH, people interested in MICAH, people who are new to organizing, people with experience looking for a refresher and new energy, and people who are curious about organizing. There is no cost, but please sign up only if you anticipate being able to participate in at least three of the four sessions: October 10, 17, 31, November 7 (MICAH public meeting on October 24). Registration.
Fri Nov 8, 2019
Suppressed: Right to Vote / Film, 6:30pm - 6:30pm
Community House, 2866 N. 54th St., Milwaukee
This documentary, Suppressed: The Right to Vote, covers what happened to suppress the vote in Georgia's midterm election and how that can affect the 2020 elections. Doors open at 6:00. Admission is free but a donation is appreciated.
Sat Nov 9, 2019
Fair Maps Summit, 8am - 5pm
Hotel Marshfield, 2700 S. Central Ave., Marshfield
The Fair Maps for Wisconsin Summit is a non-partisan statewide event with the goal of educating and empowering activists to inform voters about gerrymandering and get legislators and candidates for the legislature on the record for supporting fair maps legislation -- an independent process to draw legislative district maps. The focus for the summit is to create regional grassroots groups with the skills, relationships, resources and coordination needed to accomplish this goal. Much more information and registration. Hotel Marshfield is making rooms available at $99 through October 18. Lunch meal counts must be finalized by October 26.
Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
16th Street & National Avenue, Milwaukee
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.
Warren Organizing/East Side, 2:30pm - 4pm
East Branch Library, 2320 N. Cramer St., Milwaukee
A community event supporting Elizabeth Warren for President. Gather to brainstorm and grow the East Side for Warren leadership team! RSVP.
Laughing Liberally Milwaukee, 8pm - 10pm
Comedy Sportz Theater, 420 S. 1st St., Milwaukee
Laughing Liberally Milwaukee presents a night of progressive politicalcomedy. In addition to some of the finest progressive comedians Milwaukee has to offer, each Laughing Liberally Milwaukee will feature a special interview with a local political figure, journalist or activist. This month’s guest is Jasmine Gonzalez from the CLOSEmsdf Campaign. Advance tickets ($8).
Mon Nov 11, 2019
Grass Roots South Shore Meeting, 6pm - 8pm
Cudahy Library, 3500 Library Dr. , Cudahy
Grass Roots South Shore holds its monthly meeting on the second Monday of each month. For more information call Jim Balk, 414-218-5944.
Armistice Day, 7pm - 7pm Reclaim
Central United Methodist Church, 639 N 25th St, Milwaukee
A Day that celebrates peace, not war, is the best way to honor the sacrifices of veterans. For more information, email Art Heitzer.
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